Global Scenario on Crop Biotechnology: Communication Setting

Various indications that research and development efforts are escalating in developing countries indicate the slight shift of such countries from just being end markets to being developers. The aggregate adoption of biotech crops in developing countries is clearly approaching that in developed countries. The next generation biotech crops with superior traits, with improved properties and quality traits will likely be created and deployed in developing countries, particularly in Asia, where half of the world’s population dwells. It is important to be persistent in communicating and disseminating accurate information about the direct or indirect risks and benefits of the commercial products of next generation biotech crops and to encourage a balanced discussion on issues surrounding the products and the technology. Continuing polarized positions on transgenics and a biased view on the applications of biotechnology to crops clearly didn’t contribute in conserving capital and human resources. Locally developed products may garner higher consumer acceptance as they are tailored to specifically address local or regional concerns. These next generation crops are expected to play a significant part in poverty and hunger reduction and help attain global food, feed, fiber, and energy security in conjunction with other breakthroughs and improvement in farming and agricultural methodologies.